Lessons to be learned from system in Germany

Belfast Telegraph

30 March 2004

RECENTLY in Writeback, there was a letter drawing attention to some remarks in praise of the German education system which I made during a television discussion programme.

The aspect of the German education system which I described and which I find admirable is that all state schools are entirely integrated between Protestants and Catholics.

The State schools cater for some 95% of German schoolchildren but there is no segregation and no demand for it.

In my opinion the German system provides a model which educationalists in Northern Ireland should study closely.

Due to the interest which my brief remarks have generated, I and some friends have arranged to give a public talk on this very subject in the Senior Common Room, 1 College Gardens, Belfast, on Monday, April 5, starting at 8.00 pm.

I am a Czech national who was brought up in Germany and my talk will be a description of the German education system as I experienced it.

I also went to university there before coming to Northern Ireland as a teaching assistant, so I have observed the education system at close quarters and can make some comparisons. Some other German nationals whom I know who are living in Belfast will be present at the talk to add their contributions. We hope to have an interesting and worthwhile discussion.

Admission to the meeting is free and there will be time for discussion and audience participation after the introductory talk.

MILAN KOPRIVA, Belfast 12.